A Perfect Set

If you happen to sail, take a second look at the double head sails on this Islander 29 in the Land's End Homer Yacht Club Regatta. We had just completed a long downwind run wing on wing with double head sail, the genoa on the starboard and the loose footed half genoa whiskered out on the port. Not as good as a spinnaker but good enough for this offshore working boat with a shrewd skipper. We were behind two or three larger boats but in good position with our handicap. We work more or less as permanent crew. --- We had just turned towards the buoy on our third leg, to a broad reach. The skipper called for us to take down the loose footed jib that was now flapping. Loosening the halyard only slightly it jammed, and the flying jib flopped over to the lee side and filled perfectly, the skipper sheeted in on the starboard and you see the resulting set of a spectacular flying half genoa. The whisker appears to still be in place hanging off to the side unused. You could feel the boat surge forward, gaining a good 2 knots. The unusual set of sails lasted most of the leg until the wind headed a bit. We gained on the larger boats. --- and won, actually.